NOC for Study Abroad from Nepal: How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
The NOC for study abroad from Nepal (No Objection Certificate) is a letter from Nepal’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST). Banks in Nepal ask for it before they send tuition or living money abroad for your studies. Without it, you usually cannot transfer your fees, so plan for it as soon as you have an offer letter.
Checked against official sources in September 2026. Rules, fees and amounts change, so confirm on the official pages linked in this guide before you act. This is educational information, not legal or immigration advice.
Who needs an NOC?
Nepali students going abroad for formal study, such as a diploma, bachelor’s, master’s or language course, generally need an NOC before sending money through Nepali banks. It applies whatever country you choose: the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan or elsewhere.
Documents you usually need
- Nepali citizenship certificate (both sides)
- Valid passport
- Offer or admission document from the foreign institution: I-20 (USA), Letter of Acceptance (Canada), CAS (UK), CoE or offer letter (Australia), or the equivalent
- Academic transcripts and certificates (SEE, +2, bachelor’s as relevant)
- Equivalence certificate if your qualification needs one
- A working email address and mobile number for verification
How to apply online
- Go to the official MoEST NOC portal (noc.moest.gov.np) and create an account.
- Fill in personal, academic and destination details exactly as they appear on your passport and offer letter.
- Upload clear scans of every document. Blurry or cropped files are a common reason for delays.
- Pay the service fee online. It has commonly been reported as NPR 2,000, but confirm the current fee on the portal.
- Track your application in the portal and download the NOC once it is approved.
- Take the NOC to your bank with your offer letter to start the fund transfer.
How long does it take?
Processing is often a few working days but can be slower during peak intake months (around the US fall intake and the Australia and UK intakes). Apply as soon as you have your offer, not in the week before your fee deadline.
Common mistakes
- Name spelled differently on the passport, citizenship and offer letter
- Uploading a conditional offer when the bank needs the final one
- Waiting until the tuition deadline to apply
- Paying agents to “speed up” the NOC. Use the official portal only.
Frequently Asked Questions About NOC in Nepal
Is NOC required for all countries?
Generally yes for formal study abroad when you transfer money through Nepali banks, whichever country you choose.
How much is the NOC fee in Nepal?
It has commonly been reported as NPR 2,000. Check the MoEST portal for the current fee before paying.
Can I apply for NOC before getting my visa?
Yes. You apply with your offer or admission document, usually before the visa, because you need it to transfer fees.
Next steps
- Compare the USA, Canada, UK and Australia
- How much bank balance you need for each country
- Financial documents for the F-1 visa
Did your NOC take longer than expected? Share your timeline in the forums to help other students.
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